The Study of Cluster Ions By Combined Laser/Mass Spectrometry Techniques

Abstract
Lasers and mass spectrometers are combined to perform experiments on the study of cluster ions. Direct laser vaporization of a variety of solids is shown to be a simple and efficient means for the production of abundant high-mass cluster ions. Both time-of-flight and Fourier transform mass spectrometry are used for the detection and structural analysis of these cluster ions. The results exemplify the unique advantages of each mass spectrometric method.